Managing your mental health during the holidays

The holidays are a busy time of year, meant to focus on family and cheer. However, the extra demand to host and attend events, buy presents and celebrate can add unwanted stress and financial pressure, which can lead to feelings of burnout and depression. In addition, lack of sunlight and shorter days can contribute to feeling low. Studies have shown that people’s mental health tends to worsen during the holiday months.

In September, the Law Society expanded resources to provide legal professionals access to LifeSpeak. LifeSpeak provides anonymous 24/7 access to resources and content that includes short videos, live Q&A web chats with mental health experts and blog posts.

To help support the mental and physical well-being of legal professionals during one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year, we have highlighted some helpful resources:
 

• Ask an Expert: Mindful Techniques for the Holidays will be taking place on Wednesday, December 13 starting at 8 am with Dr. Christopher Willard. Dr. Willard will be there to answer questions on how to best manage stress during the holidays via web chat.
   
• New blog: Optimization Techniques to Reach Your Personal & Professional Goals by coach/speaker Michel Venne will help establish and plan your goals for the new year.
   
• Watch the eight-minute video: Guided Meditation: Approaching the Holiday Season with the Right Frame of Mind, a guided practice meant to help you stay present during the busy holiday season. 
   
• Visit our Programs and Resources page on the Lawyer Well-Being Hub, where we share a list of helpful information on mental health, suicide, addiction and more.
   
• Stay tuned for the new LawCast BC podcast, which will highlight mental health resources in its first episode. The upcoming episode, which will be released later in December, will discuss reducing stigma around mental health in the workplace, accessing help and ways to support yourself and your colleagues.